This Old Gun: Beretta M1934

by
posted on July 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Watch our American Rifleman TV video above to learn about the Beretta Model 1934.

Title screen for "I Have This Old Gun" Beretta 1934 Pistol with text on image.

Beretta’s M1934 semi-automatic pistol laid the groundwork for the company's later models, including the modern designs we know today. The models open-top design is certainly a distinguishing feature of the double-action pistol’s slide. The Beretta Model 1934’s cutting-edge design found wide distribution and was commissioned for official duty with the Italian military.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol with inventory tag.

The world’s oldest gunmaker got right with the M1934. The direct-blowback-operated pistol has a slide that locks back on empty magazine. It offers a thin, single-stack design that is easily carried concealed.

The Model 1934 is a compact pistol chambered for .380 ACP that allows for a seven-round detachable-box single-column magazine. The magazine’s release is affixed to the heel below the lanyard ring. The design provides double-action lockwork with an exposed hammer at the rear. Serrations are found at the rear of the slide.

Right-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol on white background.

Its stocks are made of steel-backed rubber, which, at the time of its release, was a brilliant addition to the handling and longevity of the panels. The pistol provides sights for aiming its 3.7” barrel and is comprised of just 39 parts and makes for a shootable and reliable sidearm.

Man with protective shooting gear on a range with a Beretta pistol.


Beretta’s Model 1934 design was a success. One year after its inauguration, a version chambered for .32 ACP was released. The Model 1934 design set the foundation for the M9 service pistol decades later.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol.

Watch our American Rifleman TV “ I Have This Old Gun” feature segment to learn more about the Beretta M1934 pistol.

Latest

First Time Shooting Experience F
First Time Shooting Experience F

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

New For 2026: TriStar Arms APOC Pro

The new APOC Pro takes the original TriStar Arms APOC pistol design introduced in 2025 and makes it optics- and suppressor-ready.

7 New Over-Under Shotguns for 2026

Ever since the development of the iconic Browning Superposed shotgun in the early 1930s, the concept of an over-under shotgun has remained popular not just with American shooters but shotgunners the world over.

DOJ Sues Denver Over Unconstitutional Bans

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed suit against the city of Denver, Colo., for banning “certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles."

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC

With its FPC, the Folding Pistol-caliber Carbine, Smith & Wesson entered the PCC market in a big way.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.